New directory will connect producers with custom manure applicators

New directory will connect producers with custom manure applicators

Producers will soon have a way to contact custom manure applicators, said Dale Baird, working with the University of Illinois Extension Certified Livestock Manager program.

“Extension is developing a new resource,” said Baird, “the Illinois Custom Manure Applicators Directory. A significant amount of livestock manure from large-scale livestock operations is custom applied in Illinois. Livestock manure is applied prior to crop planting, and soil conditions during the fall and spring may not allow a wide application time period. Therefore, some producers contract with better-equipped custom applicators to apply their livestock manure.”

According to Baird, many of the custom applicators operating in the state have participated in Extension’s voluntary Custom Manure Hauler training program, and are well versed in recommended practices for environmental protection and emergency response procedures. The new directory will assist producers in contacting these custom applicators.

Custom manure applicators interested in listing their business services in the directory should contact Baird at (815) 978-2844 or at dlbaird@illinois.edu.